With so many talented artists and supporters of the arts living in our community, we are pleased to announce that we have just been given a wonderful collection of 14 art videos by an anonymous benefactor. The videos provide visual overviews of art museum collections around the world, as well as detailed looks at specific artists:

• “The Hermitage Museum: St. Petersburg, Russia” offers a brief history of the spectacular palace and its masterpieces — paintings, sculpture and jewelry.

• “Treasures of the Holy Land” presents ancient art from the Israel Museum.

• Four videos offer looks at various aspects of the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City: “20th Century Art from the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing,” “Masterpieces of the Met,” plus “New World Visions: American Art 1650-1914” presented in two parts.

• Three videos present the art featured in the trend-setting biennial exhibitions of contemporary art in 1985, 1987 and 1989 at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.

• “Degas” explores the life and work of 19th century French painter and sculptor Edgar Degas.

• “Hockney” presents the art and photography of this most popular and successful British painter.

• “Edouard Manet: Painter of Modern Life” examines the art of this French Impressionist.

• “O’Keeffe” offers a behind-the-scenes personal look at Georgia O’Keeffe and her art, with special emphasis on her life in New Mexico.

• “In a Brilliant Light: van Gogh in Arles” tells the story of Vincent van Gogh’s 444 days in the south of France, the climax of his career.

If you have gently used videos that you are no longer watching, please consider donating them to the library where they can be enjoyed by all our patrons.

Books on CD

“Smoke Screen” is a mystery by Sandra Brown centered around a TV newswoman.

“The Book of Lies” by Brad Meltzer is a thriller involving current murders and the murder weapon Cain used to kill Abel.

“Money and the Law of Attraction” by Esther and Jerry Hicks is a self-help book about financial and physical wellbeing.

“Devil Bones” is another forensic mystery by Kathy Reichs.

“The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008” by Bob Woodward is the author’s inside view of Washington decision-making relating to the Iraq War.

“Marley & Me” by John Grogan is a story about living with a puppy.

Sci-fi and fantasy

“Paul of Dune” by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson is one of the popular science-fiction Dune series.

“The Sunrise Lands” by S.M. Stirling is another in the post-apocalyptic 2007 Change series.

“The Pirate King” by R.A. Salvatore is about a cabal of powerful wizards.

“The Unreals” by Donald Jeffries features surreal characters like Bucktooth.

Non-fiction

“The Plot to Save the Planet” by Brian Dumaine describes how visionary entrepreneurs and corporate titans are creating real solutions to global warming.

“The Trouble with Boys” by Peg Tyre is a surprising report card on our sons, their problems at school, and what parents and educators must do.

“Real Life” by Dr. Phil McGraw offers ideas to prepare for the seven most challenging days of your life” — days involving loss, fear, and health issues.

“How Fiction Works” by James Wood looks at the main elements of fiction including narrative, characterization, dialogue, realism and style.

“In the Spotlight” by Janet E. Esposito helps you overcome your fear of public speaking and performing in front of others.

“The Forever War” by Dexter Filkins is a searing look at the battle against Islamic fundamentalism.

Books for pre-teens

New books aimed at ages nine through 13 include “Civil Rights Movement” from the African History series, “Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship” about two hippos in Kenya, “Kimchi & Calamari” by Rose Kent, “Chess! I Love It I Love It I Love It” by Jamie Gilson, “Birmingham, 1963” by Carole Boston Weatherford and “Defiance” by Valerie Hobbs.

“The Cabinet of Wonders” by Marie Rutkoski is book 1 of the Kronos Chronicles. “The Prophet of Yonwood” and “The Diamond of Darkhold” by Jeanne DuPrau are books 3 and 4 of the Book of Ember. “Candyfloss” and “Bad Girls” by Jacqueline Wilson are two books for girls. “On the Run” by Gordon Korman is a mystery.

Religious books

“Grace” is a novel by Richard Paul Evans is the story of a young runaway girl and the boy who hides her.

“Acedie & Me” by Kathleen Norris is the author’s exploration of acedia through her life as a writer, her marriage and the challenges of a grave illness.

“Sunset” by Karen Kingsburg is a Baxter Family drama about the power of a family’s love and the healing miracle of redemption.

New novels

“The Crazy School” by Cornelia Read is another novel featuring ex-debutante Madeline Dare, set in the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts.

“Person of Interest” by Theresa Schwegel is a crime novel focused on the family of an undercover cop.

“Ice Trap” by Kitty Sewell is the story of a British surgeon and his wife who learn that a Canadian woman claims he is the father of her 13-year-old twins.

“Foreign Body” is another medical mystery by Robin Cook.

“Impulse” is a suspense story by Joann Ross set in Wyoming.

Quotable quote

“Having created a habit of night reading, my life is a search for longer and longer books. I do not want them to end.” — 20th century British novelist Olivia Manning.